Haydi Gidelim! (Let's Go!)
The hot air balloon ride over Cappodocia was spectacular! We flew in the early morning, along with 29 other balloons.
Watching the balloon fill up is a bit like watching the pilot build your plane before you get on. The basket is on its side here and will hold 16 of us plus our pilot.
It is a chilly morning as tour mate Alethea Vrotsos and I wait in the basket for liftoff.
I don't know if the images here can do the views justice. Our balloon flew down into these valleys between the "fairy chimneys." In this view we can see other balloons doing just that. (Photo courtesy Linda and Steve Malone)
Here we go, down between some of these curious formations. These rippling rock surfaces seemed close enough to touch. 
Here's a view looking straight down from inside the balloon basket. Hmmm, basket sounds so... flimsy right about now.
In the Mediterranean port of Antalya, we boarded a boat for a 3-hour cruise. a 3-hour cruise. The weather started getting rough... no, it didn't! We had a fabulous float on the Mediterranean.
The sun was shining. The seas were calm. We relaxed in the sun as we left port.
Gwen and Ryan relish the do-nothing vibe of the cruise.
Alma and Renee dig the happening boat ride.
It was cold, wet, and rainy during our cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. However, we managed to have adventures. And no one fell in! Tour member Steve Johnson goofs for the camera.
We were served apple tea at the pottery demonstration while watching this young man create this pot with lid in seconds.
Amy volunteered to be tutored in the art of pottery.
Ta-dah! Nice work, Amy.
The purported healing waters of Pamukkale inside Hierapolis. Of the ruins that remain of this cure center, I find it interesteding that the necropolis (cemetery) is so extensive. Did visitors receive the cure of the healing waters or not?
Among the Roman Ruins of Hierapolis is this stadium which could seat more than 12,000 spectators.
Eileen peruses the vegetables at the Korkuteli Farmer's Market. 
Impromptu synchronized swimming, Mediterranean style! (Photo courtesy Linda and Steve Malone)
The highly salinated Mediterranean sea.
Sync or Swim
The bouyant Mediterranean Sea is the setting for some water entertainment by a hardy group of tour members. Renee, Gwen, Steve, Amy, Linda, and I quickly got adjusted to the cool water temp. The cool April air inhibited most of the tour group from joining us.
Someone had the great idea to put on a show for the rest of the folks still on the boat.
This short (1:11) video proudly displays our impromptu synchronized swimming. Fun! (Source video courtesy Steve and Linda Malone.)